CALNICK Posted January 31, 2010 Share Posted January 31, 2010 Over the last few days our buff sussex has not had much interest in anything and has not eaten any layer pellets, but she would have some porridge. Unfortunately this morning she would not come out of the house at all, after a little bit of persuasion she came out, she was all fluffed and stands with her tail feathers pointing to the floor. We have now brought her in doors and put her in a large cage with water and have mixed some conditioner feed in with some porridge which she has eaten a little bit of. We have fed her some live meal worms and she ate them as if they were going out of fashion. We are worried about her as she has lost weight, her comb is very pale, infact looks really discoloured. All help would be appreciated Calnick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cooks Posted January 31, 2010 Share Posted January 31, 2010 When was the last time she was wormed? Others will come along soon to help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewis Posted January 31, 2010 Share Posted January 31, 2010 Worming is a good start ... she's not broody is she? Maybe keep her in the warm overnight and see how she is tomorrow Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slim Posted January 31, 2010 Share Posted January 31, 2010 I would say broody! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted January 31, 2010 Share Posted January 31, 2010 If she has a pale comb, then I would say unwell, rather than broody. Broody hens usually have a very bright red comb. Is she fluffing herself up like a pancake/close to the ground or more hunched in appearance? As she has been like this for a few days, I would recommend that you take her to a vet. Hope she is better soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted February 1, 2010 Share Posted February 1, 2010 I'd be inclined to worm her. Have you listened to her chest? Does she sound wheezy or rattly? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CALNICK Posted February 1, 2010 Author Share Posted February 1, 2010 I have wormed her as suggested, she has no energy, not drinking water, will not eat mealworms which she thoroughly went mad about yesterday. We have noticed her having very watery poo's, she has no energy and just flops down. I have no vets nearby that can assist, please, please give us some advice as i do not want to lose her Thanking you in anticipation Calnick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted February 1, 2010 Share Posted February 1, 2010 tricky Has she been laying? when was the last egg if so? how old is she and what colour is her comb (you menton its discoloured) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
francesca88 Posted February 1, 2010 Share Posted February 1, 2010 Could she have mites?? My white star went like this in the summer and I discovered mites in the coop - I treated the coop and within a couple of days she was fine again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CALNICK Posted February 1, 2010 Author Share Posted February 1, 2010 she is about 8 months old, her comb is like a dusty pink, purplish colour, she has no mites, layed an egg approx 3=4 weeks ago. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted February 1, 2010 Share Posted February 1, 2010 I would keep her warm and in the dark. Firstly I would want to get her to a vet in the morning. Have you used flubenvet to worm her, vermex isn't always sucessful. I would also check for parasites, if she was aneamic she would be poorly as you describe. You could check to see if she's trying to lay an egg. She would be straining and passing extra fluid from her vent. I would listen to her chest for any wheezing and check her for runny nose. Check her crop in the morning to see if its empty. It's really fishing in the dark there are so many things it can be, but you can look for the obvious. If she will take grapes that is one way to get a bit more fluid in. Hope she picks up Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted February 1, 2010 Share Posted February 1, 2010 If her comb is purply it could be a sign of raised abdominal pressure or heart problems One of mine went dusky when she was having problems laying but it cleared afterwards. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
foreveryoung Posted February 1, 2010 Share Posted February 1, 2010 have you got a suringe??? can you dribble water into her beak?? one of my hens went like this and the vet injected her with some multi vits and showed me how to tube feed, you need to be careful with that tho as it can be stressfull for the hen. but it also might get her energy levels back up to get her to wanting to eat!!! best get her to the vet in the morning.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted February 1, 2010 Share Posted February 1, 2010 If she isn't eating or drinking she will be very dehydrated. It can happen very quickly in hens. Add some sugar/honey to water and dribble it into her beak, slowly. Sometimes placing a drip of water on the top of the beak encourages them to drink the drip. A slow process, but essential to get fluids into her. ANY vet should be able to do something, even if you can't get to an avian vet. Good luck and hope she recovers soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted February 1, 2010 Share Posted February 1, 2010 You need to take her to a vet. It sounds as if she is rather poorly and a professional opinion and something more than home remedies are the way to go. For now, keep her warm and try to get some fluids into her. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CALNICK Posted February 1, 2010 Author Share Posted February 1, 2010 Thank you for your advice and comments, does anyone know of any vets that treat chickens in the Dudley area? cALNICK Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patricia W Posted February 2, 2010 Share Posted February 2, 2010 Why not phone your nearest one and ask them? If they don't, they should know someone who does. Hope she gets better Tricia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egghead68 Posted February 2, 2010 Share Posted February 2, 2010 Not sure if these are close enough: Lesley Wilson 608 Warwick Rd Solihull West Midlands B91 1AA tel: 0121 705 3044 J.M. Jones Dunton Island Near Curdworth (N. Birmingham) 01675 470322 Ask for Dai as he is the chicken man Lordswood Veterinary Surgery 39 Lordswood Rd Birmingham West Midlands B17 9QT 0121 426 4343 Good luck. I hope she is OK. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CALNICK Posted February 2, 2010 Author Share Posted February 2, 2010 Thank You to everyone who contributed to this thread, sadly Belle our Buff Sussex died this morning, sad though we are, we are pleased that her suffering is over. Once again thanks for all your help! Calnick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted February 2, 2010 Share Posted February 2, 2010 I'm so sorry you lost her. Hugs for you it is rough. x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted February 2, 2010 Share Posted February 2, 2010 Sorry you lost her It is worth doing some research now and having a suitable vet lined up ready in case this happens again Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egghead68 Posted February 3, 2010 Share Posted February 3, 2010 I'm sorry to hear that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
